Use this checklist to track your completion of major requirements. Always check with your advisor if you have any questions.
B.A., Music Major, Composition Option
For majors entering fall of 2014 or later
Music Major: Composition Option B.A.
Music Major: Composition Option B.A.
Program Overview
What is a Bachelor of Arts in music composition?
Composition is the act of writing or creating musical works. This option within the music degree program at UNH allows you to fully explore your musical interests while also pursuing a broad liberal arts education. You’ll study music theory and analysis, the history and literature of music, world music and technical skills such as ear training and piano, and compose and perform music. This Bachelor of Arts degree option also requires study of a foreign language.
Why study music composition at UNH?
As a music student at UNH, you’ll study composition with nationally and internationally known composition faculty. You’ll be able to participate in the university’s dynamic undergraduate research conference, which each spring highlights performances of student composers’ works. Our ensembles include touring chamber and choral groups, as well as orchestras and bands that inspire from the stage to the football field. You’ll also be able to engage with the community through our many outreach programs. Take advantage of an exchange program in Cardiff, Wales, or pair music with another major, such as math or business.
Potential careers
- Composer
- Music arranger for military performing ensemble
- Music industry executive
- Music professor
- Performer
- Songwriter
Department of Music
Paul Creative Arts Center
30 Academic Way
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824
Phone: (603) 862-2404
Fax: (603) 862-3155
E-mail: music.info@unh.edu
Curriculum & Requirements
Students wanting to declare composition as their option must submit a music portfolio in addition to an audition on their major instrument.
The Discovery Program capstone requirement is fulfilled by a final project or a public performance given during the senior year. For students in the composition option, there is a choice of completing a half lecture, half lecture-recital, or a half recital including at least one original composition.
Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement.
Major department courses may not be used to satisfy Discovery category requirements except in the case of a second major. B.A. in music majors may use MUSI 502 History and Literature of Music (a required core course for the major) to satisfy the Inquiry Discovery requirement.
Bachelor of Arts in Music Core Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUSI 471 & MUSI 472 | Theory I and Theory I | 6 |
| MUSI 473 & MUSI 474 | Ear Training I and Ear Training I | 2 |
| MUSI 475 & MUSI 476 | Functional Piano I and Functional Piano I 1 | 2 |
| MUSI 571 & MUSI 572 | Theory II and Theory II | 6 |
| MUSI 573 & MUSI 574 | Ear Training II and Ear Training II | 2 |
| MUSI 575 & MUSI 576 | Functional Piano II and Functional Piano II 1 | 2 |
| MUSI 501 & MUSI 502 | History and Literature of Music and History and Literature of Music | 6 |
| MUSI 515 | Music in World Cultures | 4 |
| Select 3 credits of MUSI 703-MUSI 715 Advanced Music History | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Counterpoint | ||
| Analysis: Form and Structure | ||
| Analysis: Form and Structure | ||
| Select variable credits of MUSI 541-MUSI 564, MUSI 741-MUSI 764 Performance Study (Applied Lessons) | ||
| Select variable credits of MUSI 441-MUSI 464 Performing Ensemble 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
| 1 | Students will be given the opportunity to test out of MUSI 475 Functional Piano I-MUSI 476 Functional Piano I and MUSI 575 Functional Piano II-MUSI 576 Functional Piano II. |
| 2 | A maximum of 8 ensemble credits may count toward graduation for all bachelor of arts in music students. |
Music Composition Option Requirements
Degree program has plan approval from the National Association of Schools of Music.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
MUSI 771 | Counterpoint | |
MUSI 779 | Orchestration | |
MUSI 781W | Analysis: Form and Structure | |
MUSI 782W | Analysis: Form and Structure | |
| Select 8 credits of the following: | 8 | |
MUSI 775 | Composition | |
MUSI 776 | Composition | |
MUSI 777 | Advanced Composition | |
| MUSI 731 | Conducting | 2 |
| Select 4 credits of MUSI 541-MUSI 564/MUSI 741-MUSI 764 Performance Study (Applied Lessons) | 4 | |
| Select 8 credits of MUSI 441-MUSI 464 Performing Ensemble | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 28 | |
Students in the composition option, if not in a lesson studio, will attend composition seminar.
